Lifespan

Determine the optimal product lifespan

Product Life, Product Durability, Product Use Cycle

Designers define the service life of products and services. The technical lifespan of all components accounts for the real service life and intensity of use. • Long lifespan / durability: guarantees the longest possible usage that corresponds with the usage context • Emotional product bonding • Short lifespan: only aspired if ecologically justifiable and particularly circular

• Product Category Rules → see EPD • Premature obsolescence • The Product-Life Institute

Besides the technical service life, a high appreciation and bond with the product on the user’s side should be attained in order to extend the real service life – regardless of trends and fashions. Generally speaking, the assumption holds that the cumulative expenditure of energy and resources is amortized with a longer lifespan. In rare cases do other factors achieve a better environmental impact. For example, one forgoes reparability when using materials made of carbon fiber but attains a more efficient product.

Research the average service life. Define an appropriate product lifespan. (Design a low-maintenance product.)

Create incentives for longer use

First Steps